Art Mint’s terrific romp through the ancient world continues with the issue of the fourth of the seven in their two-ounce silver coin series. We’ve already seen the Sumerian, Indus, and Egyptian civilisations showcased, and now it’s the turn of the early Chinese dynasties to get their turn under the spotlight, before it moves on to highlight the Mayan, Greek and Roman civilisations.

China is one of the oldest of them all, certainly outside the region around the Euphrates, and in a recognisable form, dates back to the Xia dynasty around 2070 BCE which ruled until replaced by the Shang Dynasty around 1600 BCE. This also lasted a long period, as did the following Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BCE). The most famous dynasty, the Qin, (of Great Wall, and Terracotta Army fame), lasted just 14 years (221-206 BCE), by comparison. It was succeeded by the Han Dynasty, which was in power until 220 CE, ending the ancient period, and a period of much growth in China.

Chinese culture and society made huge bounds, creating complex languages, great literature, and fine art. They were very inventive, creating the compass, gunpowder, paper, and printing, often referred to as the Four Great Inventions, and many others. Their architectural achievements are legendary, culminating in the Great Wall, and the incredible tomb of the Emperor Qin Shi Huang, with its Terracotta Army, which has provided inspiration for the coin designer.

Continuing the layout of previous issues, the main centrepiece of the reverse face is an artifact, in this case, one of the legendary clay warriors from the tomb. I like the choice of figure, as the kneeling pose fills more of the face than a slimmer standing one would have. In case you’re wondering why he has a thumb up, the original figure was holding a spear/pike, but the wood has long since rotted away. They are over two millennia old, after all. The background is filled with some architecture in a sunset setting, and the inscribed band behind the warrior is in a script called ‘small seal’.

The common obverse returns. The coin is issued for Cameroon, so that African nation’s shield emblem sits in the centre, circumnavigated by the issue inscriptions. Around this, are seven concentric rings of script, and the Chinese characters are in the fourth ring out from the centre. The fifth ring, likely indicating the next release, is a Mesoamerican script, followed by Greek and Roman.

I’m a big admirer of this series, not just for the historical take on the subject, but also the design of them. While the Sumerian coin remains my favourite, this is a fine addition to the series, and we’re looking forward to seeing the next one. Boxed, with a certificate of authenticity, just 300 of these will be struck, and it should be available to order today.